From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 43 - Quick Patches
Easy Ways for Patching Damaged Drywall
Drywall is a panel made of gypsum wallboard pressed between two sheets of paper, attached to metal tracks and studs as its frame. As part of a structure, drywall starts to deteriorate right after turn-over of its construction. Moving furniture, installing paint and other decors, and climate change are some factors that may inflict damage on your drywall. Patching damaged drywall is an easy process, but requires a little patience to prevent recurrence. You must be aware of using the proper tools and safety gears for this process.
Five types of damages:
1. Small holes
2. Large holes
3. Cracks
4. Loose tape joints
5. Nail or screw pops
Things We Learned Along The Way
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A Simple Trick for Ceiling Drywall Repair
Easy Ways for Patching Damaged Drywall
Drywalling an Unfinished Basement
How to Stop Drywall Cracking - Once and For All
Large drywall holes
With the use of a drywall patching compound, place this over the hole and gently trace around it. Cut the traced outline with a pad saw. Make certain that the size of the patch corresponds with the size of the hole. Use a board that is two inches larger than the hole and fit it inside the hole on the drywall surface. Hold this steadily and attach the board using flat screws at the sides of the hole. Put some of the compound around the edges of the hole and the small board. Place the drywall patching compound evenly on it. Let it dry, sand it.
A joint compound (also known as drywall compound) would be the cure for a damaged drywall. It is a white substance similar to plaster used to seal joints between sheets of drywall. You may need to mix it up and add a little water, but do not make it too wet to retain moisture consistency during storage. It is necessary to apply several thin coats of joint compound to let it dry thoroughly. Applying thick mud may tend to crack. There will be ridges present in the damaged portion so you may need to use a wide putty knife to knock it off.
Generally, patching can be accomplished with two coats of joint compound applied with a putty knife. Observe the surface of your drywall for protruding paper edges. Shave it using a sharp utility knife and create a slight indention. It is a provision for your joint compound to dry flush with the drywall surface. The key here is proper curing. Be patient with applying thin coats of joint compound as it dries faster. Keep in mind preventing the recurrence of crack on your putty.
Once you prepare the surface for patching, apply the joint compound not more than 1/8 inch thick and allow it to dry completely. Using a wide putty knife, scrape off the surface to smoothen once dried then apply the second coat. Repeat the process until you achieve the joint compound slightly higher than the wall surface then sand it to smooth out the patch and blend it in with the surface.
Patching damaged drywall with a larger hole requires installation of support for the joint compound. You will need a mesh repair patch for the hole. It can cover a hole three inches in diameter. A bigger hole may require you to cut the area with the shape of a rectangle. Install wood strips to create a support backing. Cut out a new piece of drywall to fit in the damaged area, and then apply the joint compound.
Cracks and loose tape joints may be repaired similarly. Carve out the loose material and create a slight indention before applying the mesh tape. Apply the joint compound.
The same procedure applies when you repair nail heads popping out off the drywall but you have to replace the nails with drywall screws since they are loose already.
Once you know how to do it effectively, patching damaged drywall is something you would not do too often. The average homeowner can patch damaged drywall effectively. They should make sure to have a plan of action and the proper materials and supplies needed before beginning the repair job.